Animal Rescue and Farm Maintenance

ANIMAL RESCUE, ASSISTANCE & CARE  – Help rescue neglected animals, provide care and assist maintaining the farm!

Program Description
In the Dominican Republic there are plenty of dogs in need of being rescued, cared for and placed at a loving home.
Many dogs are homeless and sick, and you often also find neglected and malnourished horses, mules and cats. It is rare that anyone cares about these animals or gives them the affection and nurturing that they need. The local Veterinary Service provides emergency veterinary services, home and finds dog lovers overseas who are willing to adopt rescued dogs! This Dog rescue project is the perfect placement for volunteers and interns. Volunteer positions are for people without a veterinary background who are dog lovers and would like to be part of a great project that takes care of the well-being of man’s best friend. By raising awareness and educating children about how animals can increase our well-being if we take care of them, you can also contribute to improving the situation in the long run. There is always a lot to do and your support is much needed to be able to continue providing care to the animals and finding new homes, especially for the dogs. You can become a part of this project by taking care of the animals, training them and assisting in maintaining the Kennels. The team also always needs experienced vets or vet students that can assist during surgeries, neutering campaigns or similar. If you are a veterinarian or veterinary student you will love this program.

Volunteer placement, apprenticeship or internship
You can join this program as a volunteer, apprentice or intern. As a volunteer you are free to commit any number of hours per week. That's up to you! As an apprentice or intern however you probably have to fulfill requirements set by your school or university. Please inform us of your school or university internship requirements in advance so that we can work out your personalized work plan together. Also tell us about your personal expectations and goals. We are happy to give students academic credit or provide a report outlining the learning outcomes and deliverables achieved during the placement.

Requirements
Overall there is no previous experience required to participate in the program, but of course you have to be an animal lover. A typical Animal Care & Farm Maintenance volunteer or intern has already worked in animal shelters, is a student in a veterinary school or a dog walker, etc. However, a person without any specific experience or training who just really loves animals and wants to help care for them is welcome as well. He or she needs to be enthusiastic, proactive, ready for a challenge and willing to do maintenance work. It also includes physical work like cleaning kennels and stables and being outside a lot. Nevertheless, the animals’ love and affection that you will be met with are worth all of the effort! Friendliness, commitment and patience are among significant qualities. Basic Spanish skills are helpful, but an advanced level of Spanish experience will open up more opportunities. In order to enable deeper integration into the community, we provide free Spanish classes on a weekly basis, full support and 24/7 backup.

Program Highlights

• Experience the Dominican style of live and chill by the rhythm of Caribbean music!
• Gain Spanish fluency with the help of our free Spanish classes and share daily life with locals
• Become more passionate about your studies and propel your career with international experience!
• Make memories you never forget during weekend excursions with your fellow participants!
• Enjoy the gorgeous beaches of Samana, climb the mountain peaks of pico Duarte and visit historical sites in Santo Domingos' colonial town!

What makes the Dominican Republic and Samana such a special destiny?
Samana is the name of both the peninsula and its biggest town located at Samana bay in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic. It is a dramatically beautiful peninsula, like an island unto itself, of coconut trees stretching into the sea. The town of Samana is a scenic, beautiful and peaceful port, with friendly and easy-going Dominicans, living their life with tourism, agriculture and fishing activities, all set to the beat and rhythms of Merengue, Bachata and Salsa music. The Malecon (seaside promenade) of two kilometers length is perfect for strolling by day and night. It is the perfect place to while away the evening in a relaxing atmosphere in one of the many surrounding restaurants and bars. Hundreds of fantastic beaches surround the peninsula of Samana, which can be explored during a day trip or for the whole weekend. Experience the Dominican style of live and chill by the rhythm of Caribbean music!
Other highlights nearby are:

• Las Galeras y El Rincon - A small fisherman's town with beautiful beaches surrounded by nature. Travel by Bus (45 minutes / US$ 2,-)
• El Limón - Famous waterfall and swimming. Travel by Bus (20 minutes / US$ 1,50,-)
• Cayo Levantado - Small Island with beautiful beaches just of the coastline in Samana. Travel by Boat (15 minutes / US$ 2,-)
• Parque National de los Haiteses - Park made of mangroves, caves with ancient paintings and beautiful bays with pristine beaches. Magnificent limestone caves to explore. Travel by Boat 60 minutes / US$ 10,-
• Playa El Valle - A small fisherman's settlement with a beautiful beach surrounded by pristine nature. Travel by Moto Concho (MotoTaxi) (20 Minutes / US$ 3,-)
• Great Kitesurfing beaches near Las Terrenas only an hour from Samana! The whole Peninsula of Samana is a wild and precious natural gem! People are extremely friendly and nature is gorgeous! 
• Whale-Watching - From mid-January to late March the bay is home to some of the world's best whale-watching